Spied! Porsche Cajun Test Mule Undergoes Winter Testing in Sweden

Our spy photographer has once again caught a test mule for the Porsche Cajun small SUV, due to begin production in 2013. Porsche is still trying to pass the prototype off as an Audi Q5, the vehicle that the Cajun will share platforms and drivetrains with, and are seen here giving the vehicle its winter shakedown. Though we’ve yet to see the SUV wearing its official skin, this test mule gives us some more insight on Porsche’s future baby Cayenne.

As with the other test mules we’ve seen, what gives this Q5 lookalike away as a Porsche are the large wheels and black fender flares – likely indicating a wider track. Further evidence that this is no ordinary Q5 can be found in the front valance, where one of the fog light surrounds appears to have been removed for testing purposes. Other than that though, this Cajun prototype still looks very much like its corporate cousin. This doesn’t come as such a shock though, as Audi – not Porsche – has primarily been in charge of development for Volkswagen Group’s future SUVs. As we previously reported, the base Cajun is expected to arrive with a version of the Q5’s turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 producing 235 hp, while higher-trim models will likely get a variant of Volkswagen’s supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. Our spy shooter says the Euro-market Q5 Hybrid’s drivetrain, consisting of a 2.0T engine and 44-hp electric motor, will also appear on the Cajun.Both three- and five-door versions of the Cajun are expected, which will help it take on our Sport Utility of the Year, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. With production set to start in 2013, it may yet be some time before we see the actual design of the small SUV. We still don’t have many clues that hint at the vehicle’s final design, but we hope that previous reports of a Porsche 959 styling influence prove to be true.